Nobody prosecuted for illegal modification of e-scooters – Ward

Not a single prosecution against the illegal modification of e-scooters has occurred since legislation was brought in over a year ago, a Fine Gael TD has said.

Deputy Barry Ward, a regular e-scooter user, is calling for greater enforcement of the illegal modification of e-scooters.

The Fine Gael Dún Laoghaire TD raised concerns about the lack of prosecutions in relation to the illegal modification of e-scooters with the Minister for Justice Jim O’Callaghan.

The response to a parliamentary question tabled by Deputy Ward outlined that no cases involving the illegal modification of electric scooters had been brought before the courts to date.

“This is despite legislation being passed to regulate the use of e-scooters in May 2024. Regulations clearly state it is not permitted to modify the device in any way including to increase its’ speed or acceleration capabilities.

“The speed limit for e-scooters is set at 20km/ hour,” Deputy Ward said.

“Anybody who has spent time walking in their local area or Dublin city centre will have seen countless examples of the use of e-scooters and e-bikes in an anti-social and dangerous way, many of which have been modified to be used at greater speeds,” he said.

The Fine Gael TD’s comments follow the rollout of a pilot scheme by An Garda Síochána in Limerick that tests the speed of scooters to try and prevent the use of overpowered or modified scooters that risk the lives of those using them and other road users.

Discussing the issue, Deputy Ward said: “The answer I received from the Minister shows clearly that enforcement in this area has not caught up to the regulations and I have called on the Minister to urgently push for a greater focus on preventing the use of modified electric scooters in an antisocial way.

“The modification of electric scooters is not only dangerous for the operator, but it also increases the potential risk of losing control, putting pedestrians and other road users in unnecessary danger.

“The speed limit for these vehicles is limited to 20 km/hour for a reason and when there are clear and obvious situations whereby people are operating scooters at speeds far in excess of this, the Guards need to intervene.

“If it is proven that the device has been modified, this needs to be prosecuted.

“As someone who uses an e-scooter, I absolutely appreciate how useful they can be as a means to getting around, but it is so important that they are used in a courteous and safe way,” Deputy Ward said.